The final weeks of the year are perfect for reflection, and one of the highlights of the year for us was Children's Week 2023, a wonderful national week of celebration for our kids.
The theme for this year’s week was ‘Children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy’, based on Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
From Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October 2023, thousands of Victorian children joined in the fun at various events hosted by early childhood services, primary schools, community organisations and councils across the state.
This year, the department sponsored more than 200 Children’s Week events, ensuring that families and children could celebrate for free.
Some highlights
Jo Williams from Angliss Neighbourhood House said their facility ran several Children’s Week activities that encouraged children to have fun, get messy and move their bodies.
About 60 children and 40 parents attended their ‘Messy Play Day’.
‘The kids loved the mud kitchen and our animal city, and bathing and putting the babies to bed was a huge hit,’ Jo said.
‘We weren't expecting the babies to take a dip in the ‘nature soup’, but you never know where messy play will lead. It was lovely to see many of our local community members getting to know some new faces.’
The centre also had 22 children and 19 adults at their ‘Move and Groove’ event.
‘Talk about high energy! We absolutely loved seeing everyone get involved and enjoy the dancing and singing. It was great for the children to be able to lead us with their own dance moves and ideas,’ Jo explained.
In Bendigo, Hargreaves Mall and Williamson Street were transformed into a fun and lively space full of free activities and entertainment for children and families as part of FunLoong Fun Day.
The day was a joyous occasion for more than 3,000 children and families, highlighted by a Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance from Troy Firebrace and a variety of cultural performances from:
- the Central Victorian Lion and Dragon Teams
- Filipino Cultural Dance
- the Colours of India Cultural Dance
- a Karen Culture Youth Group Dance.
Find out more
For more information, refer to Children's Week.
For further enquiries, contact the department by email: childrens.week@education.vic.gov.au
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